Fortunately, the era when believing in God was forbidden has ended in our country. Now, schools do not teach atheism. But, unfortunately, they don’t teach how believers should behave either. One of the difficult questions for many Christians is confession. If you know about confession only what you learned from films (most likely Western films), then this material on how to confess, what to say and how to prepare for the sacrament will be useful. Of course, more information is available at the church. But it’s better to go there, knowing at least something.
Preparatory stage
Many people who believe in God, but know little about church rules, ask questions about how to confess, what to say to the priest, when you can come to confession and how to prepare for it. This is actually not so difficult. The main thing is to understand the basic rules for yourself. If something is unclear - it is better to ask questions to the priest.
So, it’s worth starting with an awareness of the essence of confession. This is repentance of sins. Therefore, do not go to confession "for show". If you understand that you will continue to commit a sin that you just allegedly repented of, you should not even begin preparing for the sacrament.
The first step is understanding what you were doing wrong. None of us are perfect. And, in fact, everyone is guilty of all sins. You need to understand what you want to repent of. You must be aware that you are asking for forgiveness from God, not from the priest. And you ask him for help in overcoming sinful impulses.
Before you confess, decide what to say (and in what order). If your experiences are very strong, you can even write down your thoughts on paper. This is not a shame! On the contrary, it is better, referring to the list, to sincerely tell the priest about his sins. This, by the way, will save time and nerves for both you and the clergyman and those who want to confess after you. Do not try to justify yourself. Speak everything as it was! It is not necessary to describe for a long time what and under what circumstances did. They stole it - just say so, but don’t explain that you really needed the orphan slate in the neighbor’s area. Cheated on your spouse - just talk about it, and not about the shortcomings of your "half".
How to confess: what to say and what to keep quiet about?
If you have never been to a confession, you should not take part in a general confession. You need an individual conversation with the priest. This can be done, for example, on a weekday.
You can’t keep silent about anything. If you realize that you have committed a sin, talk about it. The priest will help you. If he appoints penance, accept it. This is not a punishment, but a kind of “medicine” that will help you atone for your sin, not repeat it more!
Before confession, all shame must be discarded! Do not try to keep silent about something. Believe me, the priests heard everything. You can hardly surprise or shock.
Where to confess in Moscow?
In principle, this can be done in any church where the service is held. But it’s better, of course, to go to confession where the heart calls. Maybe you immediately felt respect for the priest? Or were you baptized in this temple? Follow your inner voice!
Remember, if you are not sure where and how to confess, what to say and in general, whether it is worth doing it, it’s better not to just try to approach the priest and, having said that you are sinful in everything, get absolution. This approach is fundamentally wrong! True believers do not do this!
Patience and success!